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We all know we need to eat healthy and exercise regularly if we want to be in good health. It’s also known that the key to exercising regularly is choosing a form of exercise that you really enjoy. So, if you are a bicycling aficionado there is great news for you. If not, check out why you might want to consider becoming one.

If you want to have the immune system of a twenty year old – a recent study showed that cycling into old age can boost the immune system and keep body fat low. Some of the participants in the study were in their eighties and had the immune system of people in their twenties.

If you want to reduce the risk of heart failure – researchers have also found that aerobic exercise, four to five days a week can reverse or reduce the risk of heart failure. Late-middle age participants who led a sedentary lifestyle who started a regular exercise program, 4 -5 times a week, 30 min/ day, for 2 years have seen the “reversal of decades of sedentary lifestyle.” The exercise routine included at least one session of aerobic activity a week such as running, brisk walking, and cycling and one high-intensity aerobic session.

And finally, another research study published in the British Medical Journal, found that commuting by bike was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality. Also, mixed mode commuting with a cycling component also lowered the risk of all-cause mortality. The authors specify that active commuting has health benefits because it contributes to the overall daily physical activity, and bike commuting in particular has greater benefits because it is greater intensity than walking for example.

Whether you cycle for fun or transportation, keep on rolling into good health! For those of you who would like to give it a try and don’t know how to start, let us know, we can help.

This year daylight saving time begins on March 11 at 2:00 am. While the extra sunlight is welcomed and allows us to get more done and fit more exercise into our days, it also comes with a little inconvenience; we lose an hour of sleep. That might not sound that serious, but experts warn that disrupting sleep patterns comes with a few risks. For example the number of heart attacks increases and the number of traffic accidents is higher the day after the time change. Don’t worry though; there are some things you can do to avoid getting hurt so that you can simply delight in the fact that more sunlight is on its way!

Try to go bed 15 minutes earlier for few days leading to the time change – this will give your body a chance to get used to the change gradually

Be alert on the road – sleep deprivation is common after the time change and it can lead to traffic accidents

Put the phone down – don’t drive, bike, or walk distracted

If you have the option, work from home after the time change – this way you avoid distracted drivers and avoid being a drowsy driver

Exercise with care – if you have chronic heart disease and have been inactive for a while, take it easy, start with a slow 30 minute walk

Daylight saving time is also a great reminder to tune up your bike for spring – check your tires, gears, nuts and bolts, or take it to a shop for a tune up. And a great reminder to check your smoke alarms, CO2 detectors, and get rid of unwanted medicines.